Focus on Functional Appliances

Appliances, fibers, and cleaners


Space Maintainers Laboratories

Space Maintainers Laboratories, Chatsworth, Calif, a division of the Appliance Therapy Group, introduces MemRx appliances. All the appliances feature spring-loaded memory expansion screws, NiTi coil springs, and the Inman Power Component. Most notable is the MemRx E/A, an expansion/anterior advancement appliance designed for treating a crowded upper or lower arch. Unlike current preloaded appliances, the MemRx E/A with the Inman Power Component allows complete control of the NiTi coil springs. The memory screw may be adjusted five to six turns immediately after insertion of the appliance. This loads the internal NiTi springs and allows expansion in a gentle, consistent manner. The MemRx E/A’s sliding anterior wire provides a controllable force from the NiTi springs, encouraging bodily movement of the anterior teeth. Anchorage is achieved by using bands on the 6-year molars and first bicuspids. If no proper path of insertion exists, clasps or bonded mesial occlusal rests can be used on the bicuspids.

Space Maintainers Laboratories
(800) 423-3270
www.appliancetherapy.com


Ortho Organizers

OrthoOrganizers, Carlsbad, Calif, offers its TransForce2 Arch Developer Appliances, which are available in two styles: Transverse and Sagittal. Each of these appliances can be used to treat all classes of malocclusion and can be used in the mixed dentition. The appliances are universal for the top and bottom arch. A color-coding system allows easy size identification. Nitanium® Coil Springs are designed for optimum patient comfort. No laboratory work is required, and the appliances are very discreet when worn, according to the company.

Ortho Organizers
(888) 851-0533
www.OrthoOrganizers.com


AOA Orthodontic Appliances

AOA Orthodontic Appliances, Sturtevant, Wis, offers the Damon® Splint, which helps maintain muscular balance following Class II, Class III, and bilateral crossbite treatment. The Damon Splint holds teeth and arches in a fully corrected relationship, reinforcing all the elements of correction. The splint may be used for adult and mixed dentitions following Phase I functional treatment. A 3-mm opening anteriorly allows for an adequate airway. It is available in three durable and aesthetic materials: hard pressure-formed, dual hardness/soft liner, and elastic silicone.

AOA Orthodontic Appliances
(800) 262-5221
www.aoalab.com.


Aqualizer

Aqualizer, Prescott, Ariz, offers the Aqualizer, which uses a fluid system designed to eliminate all premature interferences and create a perfectly balanced bilateral bite. According to the company, the Aqualizer allows the muscles to accurately correct mandibular and condylar placement, helping in the differential diagnosis of TMD patients. If there is symptomatic or functional improvement with a properly fit Aqualizer, the case can be treated successfully with dental treatment, guided by Aqualizer bite registration techniques. Symptoms or function that worsen with a properly fit Aqualizer contraindicate initial dental treatment. In these cases, more diagnosis with and without Aqualizer wear is indicated to determine the pathology origins and proper treatment sequencing.

Aqualizer
(800) 435-7863
www.aqualizer.com


OPA Inc

OPA, Boca Raton, Fla, offers its Orthodontic Pressure Applianceâ„¢ (OPA), designed to control vertical and anterioposterior facial and dental changes. According to the company, the appliance has been used around the world for 28 years. The appliance is prefabricated in four sizes and does not require impressions or lab work. It functions similarly to a headgear-activator appliance, and prevents development of excessive lower facial height and vertical maxillary excess. OPA can be used in the deciduous or mixed dentitition, allowing early intervention. It can also be used prior to or with fixed appliances and RPEs.

OPA Inc
(561) 901-0022
[email protected]


Sun Dental Labs

Sun Dental Labs, Clearwater, Fla, introduces the SunSparkle cleaning system. SunSparkle cleans and disinfects Sunflex partials, dentures, cast partials, orthodontic retainers, and night guards. The SunSparkle system includes a disinfecting cleaner with a battery-powered sonic bath that removes stains and plaque. It removes tobacco, coffee, tea stains, and rock-hard buildup, according to the company.

Sun Dental Labs
(866) 561-9777
www.sundentallabs.com


Comfort Solutions

Comfort Solutions, Langley, British Columbia, Canada, introduces soft caps that are designed from mouthguard material. They can be used with the Crossbowâ„¢ appliance, the Forsusâ„¢ EZ Module (Forsus Fatigue Resistant Device from 3M Unitek), Herbst screws, ceramic or metal brackets, the HTH appliance, the T.P. Flip Lock appliance, the MARA appliance, and transpalatal arches. The protective coverings are designed to bring instant relief and quick healing to intraoral ulcers caused by impinging appliances. They also provide comfort to patients who play musical instruments and provide protection to incisal edges that occlude against ceramic brackets. Comfort Solutions also offers a comfort cap designed specifically for orthodontic miniscrews. The caps are sized to fit the LOMAS miniscrew that is available from Mondeal and Raintree Essix, and are compatible with other similarly shaped miniscrew head designs.

Comfort Solutions
(604) 532-2078
www.comfortsolutions.ca


Jazi Dental Inc

Jazi Dental Inc, Allentown, Pa, introduces its Tender Fiber Orthoâ„¢ Silanized Glass Fibers. The fibers are impregnated with light-cured resin. Tender Fiber Ortho replaces traditional retainers and is fixed (permanent) and comfortable. Tender Fiber Ortho can also be used inspace maintenance. Simply measure, cut, apply, and cure. Tender Fiber Ortho is delivered within a silicone casing. It is easy to clean and invisible, according to the company, and will not fray or get infiltrated by plaque. It has excellent adhesion and can be used for long-term retention.

Jazi Dental Inc
(877) 646-7846
www.jazidental.com